Page 102 of All Too Well
“Yes, I get regular testing because of my job.”
“Okay, well, I did as well after the one time, and everything came back normal.”
He kisses my nose. “Good thing I planned for us to swim. Come on.”
Lachlan gets to his feet, pulling me up with him, and we walk to the water. When we get to the edge, I tuck myself behind him.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“I’m naked!”
“Yes, as am I.”
I sigh. “Yes, but guys being naked isn’t the same for girls.”
He turns his head. “Do women have some naked cloak we aren’t aware of?”
“Usually, but mine is in the wash.”
Instead of saying anything, he walks into the water, leaving me buck naked and now alone by the edge. “Lachlan!”
“Get in and you can be naked in the water.”
I’m not sure that’s better. “Are there ... fish and stuff?”
“Are you worried about the fish seeing you naked?”
“Well, I wasn’t until you said it.”
Seriously, I do not want to be in the water—at night—when I can’t see what’s lurking around.
Lachlan grins and comes closer to me. “I’ll protect you, Berry. Now, get in the water.” When I don’t move, he raises one brow. “Or stand there and see if an animal comes by.”
That does it. I move quickly, splashing my way into the water. “Lachlan!” I scream because dear Lord is it cold. “What the hell?”
“Oh, it’s not that bad. I got in.”
I was hoping for more of a bathwater-type experience, but I guess that’s not happening.
I force myself to get in and make my way to him, wrapping my arms and legs around him. I’m seeking out available warmth, and since this was his brilliant idea, he can accept the consequences.
“Do you feel the magic yet?” he asks.
I feel something inside, but it doesn’t feel like magic. It feels like love. It’s been there for a long time, growing and then fading when it bubbled too close for comfort.
Sometimes, like four years ago, it surfaced fast and unyielding, only to be beaten back into its box.
Now that box is torn to shreds, and I can’t put this back.
I have to hope I can just survive knowing this love won’t go anywhere further.
Tears well in my eyes, and I’m grateful for the darkness and water so it can hide any tears that may leak out.
“Not yet,” I admit, whispering to hide the emotion there.
“It’ll happen.”
It won’t. It never was in the cards for us.
